We are Allie & Danella (She/Her/Hers)

We are Allie & Danella (she/her).

We founded Wander Free and Queer in 2018. Living full time in our RV while traveling around the country, it quickly became clear that there is a lack of visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the outdoor and adventure communities. As queer women navigating the open road, we found ourselves in beautiful places where we felt at home, but not welcome. Nature can be a powerful refuge, but only when we all feel seen. Rarely did outdoor media and advertising reflect our identities and experiences. We understand firsthand that representation is essential for marginalized groups of individuals to feel included. Wander Free and Queer was born out of the need to create spaces where LGBTQ+ travelers can explore the world authentically, safely, and with a true sense of belonging.

Now rooted in the picturesque foothills of Mt. Hood, we center our efforts on amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and creating inclusive spaces in the great Oregon outdoors. We first passed through the Mt. Hood area in 2020 and were drawn the lush, moss-draped forests, the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of the Cascades, and the warmth of the small, tight-knit communities that surround them. What started as a stop along our journey quickly became a place where we could plant and grow the roots of what we had started. From this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest, we continue our work to make nature a more welcoming and affirming space for all.

Content creation is one of the core ways we bring our mission to life, using storytelling to uplift queer voices and promote inclusive, affirming experiences in nature. We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brands that share our values, including Adrift Hospitality, Moon Travel Guides, and SCP Properties. Whether we're producing social media content, creating travel guides, or capturing the beauty of LGBTQ+ joy in wild spaces, we use our platform to celebrate authenticity and create more visibility in places where it’s too often lacking.

Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we're especially proud of the in-person events we have hosted. From accessible hikes to paddling on PNW lakes, we have found that fostering deep connections for our community will always be a priority for us. One of our most memorable projects was organizing our first-ever queer campout weekend near Mt. Hood National Forest in September 2024. Partnerships with Mt. Hood Territory, Mt. Hood Outfitters, and other local businesses made this first of its kind event fantastic. Our events offer safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ folks to connect, explore, and thrive together in nature.

Crochet has been a part of our personal relationship since we met in 2016. We always knew we need it to be a part of whatever Wander Free and Queer developed into. We started with a single table set up at our (then) local Portland, Maine farmers market. We have since grown our product line and have sold our queer designs and crochet items in more than 15 states. While traveling full time, we attend local pride events as vendors. We create and sell a line of rafted merchandise and crochet accessories that reflect and celebrate diverse identities. These days, you can find us in person at the Hoodland Farmers Market, as well as at PNW-based Pride events of all sizes throughout the year. Our products are also available online through our website, our Etsy shop, and for retailers, we offer wholesale through Faire. We work with retailers such as REI, Adfrift Hospitality and Millstream Gift Shops. Every item we make is designed with love, intention, and pride.

We started with a single vision, ignited by our passion for pride outside. Our goal remains simple: to make the outdoors—and the world—a more inclusive place where every queer person feels seen, safe, and celebrated.

Visibility, representation, and inclusion are at the heart of our mission and brand. We see you. 🏳️‍🌈